American President Joe Biden is on a three day state visit to the Republic of Ireland. During this trip he will meet with the country’s leaders, President Michael D. Higgins and Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, and take part in a planned intervention inside the national Parliament. These engagements underscore the deepening partnership between Ireland and the United States and highlight shared commitments to democracy, security, and prosperity. (Source: White House)
In a conversation with President Higgins, Biden will reflect on the symbolic rituals tied to Áras an Uachtaráin and the enduring value of friendship between the two nations. The planned tree planting and the ringing of the peace bell, a symbol placed in service of reconciliation since the Good Friday Agreement, are aimed at reinforcing memory and hope for future generations. The peace bell was established to mark the tenth anniversary of Ireland’s peace process, with gatherings and ceremonies designed to emphasize unity. (Source: White House)
The centerpiece of Biden’s engagement is a keynote address in a joint session of Ireland’s Parliament. The speech will emphasize the enduring cooperation between the United States and Ireland, praising the shared work to advance democracy, peace, safety, and economic opportunity. The address will also reflect on the progress of the Good Friday Agreement and its ongoing role in stabilizing the island’s political landscape. (Source: White House)
Historically, Biden will become the fourth sitting U.S. president to address both houses in Dublin, following the footsteps of John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. He will also hold talks with Leo Varadkar, who previously hosted him at the White House on the occasion of Ireland’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The two leaders will review bilateral relations, the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement now twenty five years old, and current political situations in Northern Ireland, including the functioning of the power sharing government and the impact of Brexit on regional governance. (Source: White House)
The discussions between the two heads of state will cover ongoing cooperation in trade, technology, and global security, with a focus on sustaining peace in Northern Ireland and supporting prosperity across both nations. A formal gala dinner at Dublin Castle will cap the day, offering a chance for continued dialogue in a ceremonial setting and reinforcing the long standing partnership between Ireland and the United States. (Source: White House)
The president will depart for the United States on Saturday morning, concluding the visit after a stop on Friday in Ballina, a historic town in County Mayo. Ballina has familial ties to Biden through his maternal line, and the visit includes a public address at Ballina Cathedral to celebrate the enduring bond between Ireland and the United States and to recognize the Irish diaspora’s contributions to American life. (Source: White House)